Although there is no federal (nationwide) law that prohibits texting or using a wireless phone while driving, many states have passed laws that prohibit such activities—and some municipalities (cities, towns) have also passed ordinances that restrict texting, talking, or emailing while driving. For example:

• 25 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam have banned drivers from hand-held phone use while driving.

• 48 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam have banned texting while driving for all drivers.

• 37 states and the District of Columbia prohibit all cell phone use by novice drivers.

• 23 states and the District of Columbia prohibit school bus drivers from cell phone use while driving.

For more information on state laws, visit the Governor Highway Safety Association page by copying this link and pasting it into your internet browser: https://www.ghsa.org/state-laws/issues/distracted%20driving

In Idaho, texting while driving is prohibited for all drivers, as per Idaho Code § 49-1401A. This law makes it illegal to manually text or enter data into a handheld wireless device while operating a motor vehicle on a public roadway. However, Idaho does not have a statewide ban on handheld phone use for all drivers. Instead, the state has a more targeted approach, prohibiting all cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for novice drivers, which includes drivers with a learner's permit or an intermediate license, as outlined in Idaho Code § 49-301 and § 49-307. Additionally, Idaho Code § 33-515B prohibits school bus drivers from using a mobile phone while driving when children are present in the bus. It's important to note that some cities or municipalities within Idaho may have their own ordinances that provide stricter regulations on mobile phone use while driving, so drivers should be aware of local laws as well.